Your Stories

Fairy First Birthday

fairy-first-birthdayA sneak peek of my daughter’s fairy first birthday, complete with lots and lots and lots of photos!

It’s official… I am the mother of a one year old. That first year went so fast, yet it’s amazing to look back on photos and see how much Cassie has grown and changed in a few short months. I started planning for her first birthday about four or five months ago. I figured it was a celebration for all of us, Cassie was turning one, and Chris and I were celebrating our first year of parenthood. It also dawned on me that as the years go by, I won’t get a say in her parties, so I was going to make the most of it, and I (I mean Cassie…) wanted a fairy party!

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Spinal Muscular Atrophy

Spinal Muscular AtrophyJulie shares the story behind her charity SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) as she raises awareness and helps other families who are suffering.

My eldest daughter, Montanna, was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Dystrophy (SMA) Type 1 in late 2004. The doctors told me to take her home and love her till she died, as there was nothing they could do – she would be dead within 12 months. Our worlds were crushed overnight. Montanna eventually passed away on 25 June 2005 at the age of 12 months. My partner and I were devastated, but we knew it was time for her to go.

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Donations Over Presents

donations over presentsIt seems to be a growing trend these days for parents to choose donations over presents when they are running out of storage space for all the toys. Liz shares her story.

We held a large celebration for Sofia’s first birthday in July last year, with over 80 guests. I knew that most guests would feel obliged to bring a gift and started to worry where we would store it all after the party! There isn’t a whole lot of material objects that a one year old actually needs and Sofia is already incredibly spoilt as the first grandchild on both sides.

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Circus Party

circus party cakeLinda shares the most amazing circus party she put together for her one-year-old boy Lucas.

I started planning my son’s first birthday party several months before the big day! I love planning themed parties, so it became my fun escape. It’s not like you’re going out much when your first baby is under one… As an aspiring cake decorator at the time, my inspiration came from looking at amazing birthday cakes and creative party ideas. A circus theme seemed fun and festive for a big get together with all of our friends and family.

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Old Rocking Chair

rocking chairDid you have anything you longed to buy or do on becoming a parent? Felicity Frankish brings her rocking chair DIY dreams to life.

Before falling pregnant – or maybe before babies are even on the horizon – you are likely to have an idea of certain things you plan to do as a parent. It may be that you have stashed away a train set for you and your mini-me to play with, or have a favourite place you plan to take your family on vacation one day down the track. After looking after a little 18 month old girl, who had a rocking chair set up in her room where we sat together and read books before bedtime, I knew that one day I would do the same with my child.

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